Most of us know that brushing and flossing arean important part of the regime to promoting and maintaining healthy gums and teeth. However, there are a lot of people who are unaware that there are certain foods that play an important part also. At Overland Park Smiles, we are dedicated to educating our patients about the foods that we eat and vitamins that they contain which are essential for the growth of healthy bones and teeth, and the maintenance of healthy gums.

Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance of the structure of the tissues found in the oral cavity. These tissues serve as protective barriers against the microorganisms that cause diseases. Vitamin A can be found in eggs, liver, salmon, cheese and beef. We can also get it from orange-colored vegetables, like carrots and pumpkins, and dark leafy vegetables, like spinach.

Vitamin C is another vitamin that is important in the promotion of healthy gums. Vitamin C helps prevent tissue damage, therefore keeping the gums from breaking down. Some of the foods that Vitamin C can be found in includeciturs fruits, strawberries, apples and mangoes. It can also be found in onions, broccoli and radishes.

Another imprtant vitamin is Vitamin D. This is extremely important in preventing the inflammation of gums, which we know can lead to bleeding gums, and eventually periodontal disease. While we can get Vitamin D from the sun, we can also get it from fortified milk, salmon and sardines.

Making sure that we have healthy gums goes a long way in promoting good overall health. Eating well to help maintain good oral health should bedone by all. If you have any questions about that foods that are helpful, please feel to contact you Overland Park Dentists for more information.

Many parents often wonder at what age should they first take their child to the dentist. Many are very surprised that pediatricians suggest that the first visit should be by the first birthday!! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first dental visit should be scheduled between the eruption of the first tooth, and the first birthday.

Since national studies are showing that cavities are increasing in pre-school children, it is important, now more than ever to start early preventive methods to avoid cavities. The developing teeth of infants are affected by pacifiers, teething, bottles, feeding methods, thumb sucking, gum cleansing, and also flouride levels in the mouth. That first visit is important not only for the child but as an education session for parents to be more effective in promoting good dental health for thier child.

During the first dental visit, the child's teeth, jaw and gums are examined. Parents are shown proper positioning for child to do a thorough cleaning, and cleansing procedures are demonstrated. The dentist would look for any potential problems and the overall oral growth and development of the child will be checked and assessed. Also, the child's medical history will be reviewed and any preventative measures necessary wil be discussed with parents.

It is a good idea to have dental visits scheduled before problems develop. That way, they can be kept short and that will help with the child becoming more relaxed in the dental environment.

There are many people who believe that all dental procedures should be avoided during pregnancy. This is, in fact, a dental myth. Not only is it not true, but, it is recommended that during pregnancy, preventative dental and regular exams not be put off. It was very important for pregnant women to take care of their dental health during pregnancy. As a result of the hormonal changes taking place in a woman during this time, there is an increased risk for developing gum disease, which has been been known to affect the health of the developing baby. Ideally, it would be in a woman’s best interest to visit her dentist and have her gum tissue carefully examined, and have any oral health problems treated before pregnancy. However dental care during pregnancy is not forbidden.

It is recommended that any necessary dental procedures during pregnancy be avoided during the first trimester and the second half of the third trimester. These periods are critical times in the development of the baby’s growth and development. However, routine dental care is encouraged during the second trimester. Dental exams should not be skipped during pregnancy. During this time, more than ever, it will be very important to ensure that your have good dental health, especially your gums. Dental work such as fillings and crowns should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. Elective dental procedures, like teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the pregnancy. Also, dental x-rays during pregnancy should be avoided, unless it is a dental emergency.

Maintaining healthy oral health is absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Continuing a healthy oral regime during your pregnancy will help in reducing the risk for any dental problems.

As children growing up, we were always warned about the perils of eating sugary foods, especially candy. However, many of us, then, and even now, were not told about the foods that we should be eating, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, in order to promote and maintain healthier gums, and also teeth. Here at Overland Park Smiles, we are dedicated to educating our patients in Overland Park, KS about the foods that we eat and the vitamins that they contain which are essential for the growth of healthy bones and teeth.

Foods rich in Vitamin A:Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance of the the normal structure of the tissues found in the oral cavity. These tissues serve as protective barriers against the microorganisms that cause diseases. Vitamin A , can be found in eggs, liver, salmon, cheese and beef. We can also get Vitamin A from orange-colored vegetables, like carrots and pumpkins, and dark leafy vegetables, like spinach.

Foods rich in Vitamin C:Vitamin C helps prevent tissue damage and is vital in the promotion of healthier gums by preventing the gums from breaking down. Vitamin C can be found in all kinds of fresh fruits including citrus fruits, strawberries, apples and mangoes. It can also be found in onions, broccoli and radishes.

Foods rich in Vitamin D:Vitamin D is essential in preventing the inflammation of gums which can lead to bleeding gums, and eventually periodontal disease. While plenty of sunlight aids in the body's production of Vitamin D, you can get additional Vitamin D from fortified milk, salmon and sardines.

There are many reasons for eating healthy foods. As far as oral health goes, eating healthier is a sure way to get on the right track to promoting and maintaining healthier gums. Yes, the sugars are sweet, but having a beautiful healthy smile is sweeter.

Dr. Willits credits his success in practice to the philosophy of putting his patients first. This is exemplified by his overwhelming concern for their comfort by ensuring that each one receives gentle and compassionate care. He involves patients in decisions regarding the comprehensive, personalized treatment that will achieve the results they desire. Dr. Willits will work hard to earn your trust and confidence.

David B. Woltkamp, DDS

Dr. Woltkamp practices general dentistry on patients of all ages, starting as young as 3 years old. During his 20+ years in dentistry, he has seen many changes in technique and materials. He is committed to learning better and more comfortable ways to treat his patients. Dr. Woltkamp is dedicated to excellence in dentistry and completes many more hours of dental continuing education than is required every year to ensure that his patients receive the very best care possible. He has special interest and advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implant restoration, and Invisalign.